Friday, 30 May 2003

Get the state off our backs

The latest announcements of job losses should cause politicians to reduce unnecessary burdens on Scottish businesses. The Economist has reported that water costs in Scotland are "the most expensive in the UK":

Businesses are the worst affected, collectively paying £190m more than their counterparts south of the border.

MSPs often complain that the Scottish parliament doesn't have enough powers to help boost the economy. Well why not privatise water? Back to the Economist:

Private water firms beat the public sector on all counts. "Scotland's costly water is a salutary reminder of the cost of the country's love affair with state provision. Better to privatise it late than never."

If our MSPs are serious about helping the economy, let's see some action. Get the state off the backs of business and indeed out of our bathrooms.